If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online.
September 2024
Back to School with BLCI CEO, Sara Boquin
School is back in session and BLCI is busier than ever. Students have settled into their programs and workshop and tutoring sessions are now underway. The Class of 2025 Senior Cohort is made up of 51 students,and this past week we held our first college application workshop. While the students change over the years, the nervous anticipation does not. They are excitedand hopeful as they see their dream of enrolling in college becoming a reality.
Many of these students have been with BLCI since the 3rd grade. We know them, their families, and have seen firsthand the sacrifices they make each year to ensure education is a top priority. The students are approaching not just a major milestone in their lives, but they feel the weight of changing the trajectory of their future. BLCI is more than an after-school program, we build a path to economic success. A college degree is the key to economic mobility for our students, making them more likely to own a home, less reliant on social services, and lowers the unemployment rates. All this is accomplished year after year and starts with something as simple as guiding students through the college application process, or for our youngest program members, making sure they meet math and reading standards by the end of 5th grade which is a critical time in learning development that is correlated with high school dropout rates.
I invite you to join me in supporting our community. Come to BLCI and read a story to an eager 3rd grader, edit a college application for a nervous senior, or just take a tour and learn more about all the ways you can make an impact with BLCI.
I am also honored to announce our newest Board Chair, Sam Nunez . Sam is a strategic leader and comes from a long line of family members dedicated to giving back to their community. Read more about Sam and his vision as our incoming board chair below.
Welcome Sam and I hope to see all of you soon.
Sara Boquin
BLCI CEO
Introducing BLCI Board Chair, Sam Nuñez
We are excited to announce the appointment of BLCI's new board chair, Sam Nuñez, who has been a dedicated member of our board for several years. His unwavering support for BLCI stems from a deep admiration for the resilience and passion of our students. In this interview, we explore what inspires him to be a champion for our mission and why he continues to be so committed to supporting our community. Read on to learn more about his journey with BLCI and his vision for the future of our organization.
What motivated you to join the BLCI Board?
My grandmother, Carmen Martinez, was a founding mother of San Ysidro Health, dedicating her efforts to ensure children in our community had access to medical services. It started in a three-room house to now over 20 clinics and sites all over San Diego.She often said, “If I can achieve these results, what can my grandkids achieve with education?” This instilled in me the importance of education from a young age.
My older brother was the first in our family to attend college, and he faced many challenges being away from home without proper support. While we understood education's significance, we realized it wasn't enough to guarantee success. My brother used his experiences to guide my sister and me through our own college challenges.
When I toured BLCI and saw Julian, a specialist, assisting a student with a FAFSA form, it reminded me of the support my brother provided to my sister and I.From that moment, I felt a deep connection to BLCI's mission, and I knew I wanted to contribute.
How did you first hear of BLCI?
I learned about BLCI from my colleagues, Lisa Goodman and Ken Little, during my time at Brandes Investment Partners LP. They spoke passionately about the impact the organization has on local kids, and I was truly inspired by their commitment to helping our community.
What is your goal as a BLCI Board Member? What kind of impact do you hope to make?
As a board member, my goal is to leverage my skills and experiences to benefit the students in our program. Surrounding youth with mentors especially ones that look like them—such as judges, educators, and business leaders—can create invaluable opportunities and lasting impressions with them.
I also want to amplify the positive work BLCI is doing. Our efforts uplift entire families and have a lasting impact on the community.
What college(s) did you attend and what did you major in?
I attended San Diego State University, where I majored in finance. As a child of immigrants, I often advocated for my family in situations where language was a barrier. At 15, I helped my father refinance our home, navigating the complexities of moving from an adjustable to fixed-rate mortgage. I read everything I could find at the library and represented him in meetings.This experience ignited my passion for finance and showed me the power of knowledge.
What advice would you give to BLCI students about education and why they should pursue it?
Education is essential for uplifting families and communities. I’ve witnessed its transformative power in my own life. It’s not always an easy journey and can be filled with many challenges, be it from an educational and an emotional perspective, but the rewards are worth the effort. Stay determined and seek support as early as possible from programs like BLCI that help not only educationally, but can serve as a resource to strengthen your family.Your education can open doors to experiences that you never imagined.
Thank you, Sam, for joining us in accomplishing our mission - we cannot wait to see the impact you will continue to have as board chair!
Save the Date(s)
Support the Class of 2025
Interested in learning more about how you can make a difference in the life of a BLCI student? Contact Megan@BLCI.org to schedule a tour and learn about volunteer opportunities in support of the Class of 2025.
.png)
